Corum Watches

Founded in 1955, Corum is known for some of the boldest designs in Swiss watchmaking: the Admiral with its 12-sided case and nautical pennants, the Coin Watch made from a real gold coin, and the Golden Bridge with its movement suspended in a sapphire case. Luxury Bazaar carries pre-owned and unworn Corum watches, each authenticated and backed by our 2-year warranty.

The History of Corum

Corum was founded in 1955 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, one of the historic centers of Swiss watchmaking, by Gaston Ries and his nephew René Bannwart, a watch designer who had worked at Patek Philippe and Omega. From the start, Corum set out to make watches that looked like nothing else, and it built its name in the 1960s with the Admiral’s Cup, the Romvlvs and the Coin Watch.

The Golden Bridge followed in 1980, and in 2000 the company was bought by Severin Wunderman, who launched the Bubble that same year. In 2013 Corum was acquired by China Haidian, later renamed Citychamp Watch & Jewellery Group. Today Corum remains based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, and the Admiral and Golden Bridge are still at the heart of its collection.

Corum Collections

Admiral

Corum’s best-known collection began in 1960 as the Admiral’s Cup, named after the famous sailing race. Its signature 12-sided case arrived in 1983, along with the colorful nautical pennants used as hour markers. Today’s Admiral comes in sizes from 38mm to 45mm, in steel, titanium, gold and ceramic, from simple three-hand models to chronographs, tide indicators and tourbillons.

Golden Bridge

Introduced in 1980 and based on a design by watchmaker Vincent Calabrese, the Golden Bridge has a long, slim “baguette” movement built along a single gold bridge, so it appears to float inside a sapphire case. It is one of the most recognizable designs in watchmaking, and Corum now makes it in rectangular, round and automatic versions.

Coin Watch

Since 1964, Corum’s Coin Watch has been made from a real gold coin, most famously the American $20 Double Eagle, split in two so that the face of the coin becomes the dial and the back of the coin becomes the case back. It became a favorite of collectors and politicians, and President Lyndon B. Johnson was among those who wore one.

Bubble

Launched in 2000 and revived in 2015, the Bubble is known for its domed sapphire crystal, which magnifies the dial beneath it. Many Bubbles have playful dials, including artist collaborations and special editions such as the DJ Steve Aoki models.

Romvlvs and Heritage

The Romvlvs, first introduced in the 1960s, has Roman numerals engraved directly into its bezel. Modern versions include high jewelry tourbillons such as the Romvlvs Tourbillon Billionaire, set with diamonds and sapphires. The Heritage collection gathers Corum’s classic dress watches, including the La Grande Vie.

How Much Does a Corum Watch Cost?

Pre-owned Corum watches start at a few thousand dollars, and the rarest pieces reach six figures. Here is roughly what Corum watches have sold for at Luxury Bazaar:

• Bubble and Heritage: about $2,300 to $3,000.
• Ladies’ watches: from about $4,000.
• Coin Watch: about $19,500 for the $20 gold coin watch in yellow gold.
• Romvlvs Tourbillon Billionaire: about $120,000.

Every listing above shows its current price. For more on the brand’s history and best-known models, see our collector’s guide to Corum watches.

Corum Frequently Asked Questions

Is Corum a luxury watch brand?

Yes. Corum is a Swiss luxury watchmaker founded in 1955, known for distinctive designs such as the Admiral, the Golden Bridge and the Coin Watch, and for high complications such as tourbillons.

Where are Corum watches made?

In Switzerland. Corum has been based in La Chaux-de-Fonds since it was founded in 1955.

How much does a Corum watch cost?

Pre-owned, a Bubble or Heritage model can cost around $2,300 to $3,000, a gold Coin Watch around $19,500, and a Romvlvs Tourbillon over $100,000. Admiral prices depend on the size, metal and complication.

What is the Corum Admiral’s Cup?

It is Corum’s signature sports watch, first released in 1960 and named after the Admiral’s Cup sailing race. It is known for its 12-sided case and the nautical signal flags used as hour markers, and today it is simply called the Admiral.

How do you pronounce Corum?

It is pronounced “KOR-um.”